Cablegate: Turkey Opposes Icao Plans to Transfer Sar

VZCZCXRO1690
PP RUEHDA
DE RUEHC #6583 0501949
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 191947Z FEB 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 2997
INFO RUEHTH/AMEMBASSY ATHENS 2311
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 5053
RUEHNC/AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 3314
RUEHDA/AMCONSUL ADANA 2411
RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 1658
RUEHMT/AMCONSUL MONTREAL 6581
RHMCSUU/FAA NATIONAL HQ WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS STATE 016583

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
MONTREAL FOR USICAO
FAA FOR API

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ICAO AORC PREL CY TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY OPPOSES ICAO PLANS TO TRANSFER SAR
RESPONSIBILITIES TO CYPRIOTS: U.S. RESPONSE

REF: ANKARA 279

1. (U) This cable responds to Ref A's request for
instructions.

2. (SBU) Ref A sought Department instructions for responding
to the Turkish government's request for U.S. support in
opposing plans of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) to transfer Search and Rescue (SAR)
responsibilities in the Cyprus area from a UK Rescue
Coordination Center (RCC) to the Cypriot Government's RCC.
Embassy Ankara is instructed to advise GOT MFA civil aviation
officials that the USG will not be able to support their
opposition to ICAO's transfer of responsibility.

BACKGROUND
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3. (U) ICAO makes operational decisions based on efficiency,
safety, and security, while avoiding judgments on sovereignty
and political issues. Cyprus is an ICAO Contracting State
with current responsibility for SAR in the surrounding
airspace. The area administered by Turkish Cypriots in
Cyprus does not have standing in ICAO. Furthermore, the USG
recognizes the Republic of Cyprus and not the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus.
RICE

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